‘Miracle On Ice’ player Pavelich found dead

LOS ANGELES: Mark Pavelich, who was a key component of the Americans’ 1980 ‘Miracle On Ice’ Olympic hockey team, was found dead on Thursday at a mental health treatment center in Minnesota, USA Hockey has confirmed.

Pavelich had been living at the Eagle’s Healing Nest facility since last summer after being charged with assault and ruled incompetent to stand trial by a judge. He was placed in a mental health treatment program by the courts. Police did not provide any details on the cause of death. Pavelich was 63.

“We are saddened to hear about the passing of 1980 Olympic gold medalist Mark Pavelich,” USA Hockey said. “We extend our deepest condolences to Mark’s family & friends. Forever a part of hockey history.” Pavelich was one of the leading scorers for the US national team that won the 1980 Winter Olympic hockey tournament in Lake Placid, New York. He assisted on Mike Eruzione’s winning goal in the American’s shocking upset of the Soviet Union before the US went on to beat Finland to win the gold medal.

He would go on to a NHL career that included stops with the New York Rangers, Minnesota North Stars and San Jose Sharks. In 355 career NHL games, he finished with 137 goals and 192 assists. “The New York Rangers are saddened to learn of the passing of Mark Pavelich,” a spokesman for the Rangers said in a statement. “His determination, passion, and dazzling playmaking ability earned him the adoration of Rangers fans during his five-year tenure in New York.”